Rebecca was so brave and such a great sport with this parrot doing this crazy dance on her head by the beach.
(Narrated and videoed by Andy Blumenthal)
Showing posts with label Beach. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Beach. Show all posts
August 17, 2015
PARROT Does Amazing Impromptu DANCE
Rebecca was so brave and such a great sport with this parrot doing this crazy dance on her head by the beach.
(Narrated and videoed by Andy Blumenthal)
March 7, 2015
Even If You Can't Get To The Beach
The challenge with this puzzle was in differentiating the oodles of pieces making up the blue sky from those of the blue water.
Similarly, with all the green pieces for the palm trees and all the white ones for the sand.
It seemed as if all the pieces were just shades of similar colors, and hard to differentiate between them.
But my daughter is so smart and determined.
First, she strategically separated out the pieces with the edges and put the whole frame together.
Then, she organized the rest of the pieces by their associated colors, so sky blue pieces would be in one pile and distinct from ocean blue pieces in another one and so on.
As you can see, all that's left is to finish off the sky, and it's done.
I was able to find a few pieces, but I'm better laying at the beach, then putting one together.
Just two more weeks to Spring...thank you G-d. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
January 7, 2015
Light Up Your Life
We've seen colored light bulbs before...very hippie.
However, I like the Misfit Bolt, which is a multi-colored bulb, whose combinations are controlled by an app on your smartphone or -watch.
It's was introduced at the Consumer and Electronics Show (CES) in Vegas this week.
And it has lighting that simulates landscapes such as a beach sunset, forest, island volcano, rainbow, and more.
It can also be set as an alarm to wake you up to a simulated sunrise.
At $50, it's more than a mood ring--how you feeling today, buddy?
But how nice to relax to, wake up with, and to create some pick me up feeling lighting around you. ;-)
November 29, 2014
From The Bronx To Jamaica
As we went for some wine for Shabbat in Fort Lauderdale by the beach, we had a whole bunch of surprises in one evening...
- First, I was more than a little surprised to find a bottle of Manischewitz Concord Grape wine--in of all places, CVS!
- On the way to CVS, we ran into the Jamaican Man, from our last vacation, who makes straw hats on the corner by the beach, and he sees me and somehow recognizes me--next thing I know he is practically embracing me as if I am one of his best friends, high-fiving and fist-bumping me--yeah, me the Jewish boy from the Bronx (this was a riot)!
- On the way back, there is a lady with her kids in tow on the street, and all of a sudden she turns to one of the younger kids and says in her accented English, "That's almost a $100, you little SH*T!" We could barely believe our ears.
What a lot of surprises all in one evening from the Bronx to Jamaica. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
November 27, 2014
THINK Different
Turkey Head
The new insane fashion statement on Thanksgiving...wearing a turkey on your freakin' head.
This guy is at the beach and stopped for the photo--towel in hand, turkey on head.
But lest you think this is just for the beach crowd...
A obviously wealthy older couple are having their breakfast at no less than the Ritz Carlton.
And yes, they are sitting sipping their lattes and eating their danish WITH turkeys straddling their heads--both of them, facing off at each other!
What won't people do for some attention--to simply get others to look at them.
Perhaps to feel alive, relevant, or important in some way.
Sure, there is fun in it too, but also some very mashugana stuff going on out there.
Anyway, Happy Thanksgiving from chilly, but sunny Fort Lauderdale. ;-)
October 30, 2014
G-d, Nature and Technology
April 29, 2014
My New Mug Makes Me Happy
April 22, 2014
Riding The T-Rex
The T-Rex scooter had only 3 wheels, but packed quite a punch.
We navigated Las Olas and the Fort Lauderdale Beach pretty good in this thing.
So low to the ground, my hand could touch it, and no windshield so everything sort of just flies right through.
It was only an hour, but as we in this touristy-way waved at the passerbys and speed around town next to the other hulking vehicles, weaving and beeping on this crazy horn, it was a fun time and a good memory. ;-)
(Source Photo: Dannielle Blumenthal)
Bird Tries Again And Again
We sat on the beach before sunset to enjoy the ocean and sand without the crowds.
It wasn't cold, but the wind was blowing somewhat strong toward the south.
There were four kite surfers enjoying the gusts and gliding over the water at enormous speeds, and curving this way and that.
But this isn't what really got our attention.
Instead, it was this one little white bird...I don't know specifically the type, but if I had to guess I'd say it was a dove.
The dove was flying not with the wind southernly, but against it to the north.
In the heavy wind, it would sort of hold it's position for a little, and then try with all it's might to fly north.
But the wind was too strong, and it kept tiring and then literally nosediving--head first, straight down like off a cliff--into the water, bam!
We watched this and thought at first what is with this crazy bird--and laughed.
But over and over again this played out--I think we watched this for nearly an hour!
After each attempt, the bird would pick itself out of the ocean water again, fly back south a little seemingly to get some momentum--only to try again and end up on it's face in the water.
Reflecting on this, the bird tried again and again to make headway, no matter how many times it fell flat on it's face.
I thought this is a good lesson in life--not to give up even when things seems difficult.
If this little bird could do it--so could we--and eventually succeed at whatever we set our minds to.
If the white little bird really was a dove--the symbol for peace--then what better story to keep trying until you succeed and make flight even against the strong wind. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
April 19, 2014
Score One For Ocean Rescue
Don't know why this kid almost drowned, but he almost did.
It was interesting to see the various rescue services come to help save him.
The lifeguards went out for him and got him back to shore; the paramedics administrated on scene medical help; and the police kept overall order.
But I think what really struck me was how uninterested most of the beach goers seemed.
Maybe I am expecting too much, but people just seemed at best curious, but not really concerned.
Yet at Spring Break, I have a feeling the booze, drugs, and sex overshadowed this real life and death event for this young man.
I know these kids work hard in college and probably need to blow off some steam, but the callousness was still striking.
(Source Photos: Andy Blumenthal)
December 1, 2013
Skiing The Rainbow
The waves were insane though...
The instructor tells us, "Oh be careful, because the waves can turn the jet ski over--especially when you're coming in and out--and it weights 900 pounds!"
Trying to get on this thing with the sand shifting under my feet and the waves making this thing flip up like a bucking bronco--let's just say that I had more than a few second thoughts.
But for my daughter's sake, we went forward--BTW Rebecca, you were very brave and I thank you for making me do these things and come out of my comfort zone.
It was a scary, but amazing time, and a spectacular rainbow came out for the event (in fact, it was a double rainbow, which I had never even heard of).
Being a bunch of city kids, this was an awesome sight for us.
Thanks to my wife for taking the short video of our journey today, and thank you to G-d for bringing me to this moment.
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
November 28, 2013
The Dancer and The Tablet
So we are at this Mediterranean Restaurant next to the beach.
We are sitting outside--it is a little chilly and we cozy up next to one of the fire poles to keep warm.
We weren't eating much; just a drink for our anniversary and something to munch on.
All of a sudden, my wife points to this lady from the next table who gets up and starts dancing provocatively.
You can see the sliver of ocean behind her, the night sky, and the cars and pedestrians are going by behind her.
There are multiple realities going on here:
She is in her own world--dancing to the music, swaying this way and that, and enjoying her femininity.
On the other hand, the guy she's with is taking a video of her on his tablet computer--he seems more concerned with capturing the moment with his technology than enjoying his girlfriend.
We are conscientious observers--I sort of wondered if the guy should've been paying more attention to the women who was wooing him than playing with his tablet.
The other lesson that I can't help reaching is that cameras and microphones are truly everywhere--privacy is a complete myth!
He is recording her, we are videoing them on our smartphone, and the restaurant is taping all of us on CCTV cameras, and NSA is laughing at us from Fort Meade.
So if you want solitude, book a flight with Virgin Galactic. ;-)
September 26, 2013
Social Networks--Online and At The Beach
This guy, Farhad Manjoo, is addicted to Twitter.
He writes: "I check it first thing in the morning, last thing at night, and about a billion times in between."
And he admits he doesn't understand his own addiction: "I've never been able to explain what I get out of Twitter, or exactly why I find it so enthralling."
Manjoo is afraid of what an IPO will do to Twitter--will they have to advertise more, become more like Facebook, favor pictures over text, lose it's strength in the area of breaking news--hopefully, he is referring to more than what he ate for breakfast!
People are spending inordinate amounts of time on social media--friending and following people they don't even know!
Perhaps, it's the fantasy--compliments of virtual reality on the Internet--of being associate--"friends" or "connected--with the rich, famous, powerful, and wise or with the kids who would beat us up in the schoolyard only years earlier.
Online--we're all sort of friends, aren't we?
Our avatars or online profiles don't differentiate much between those we really like or not--we are free to pretty much follow anyone, anytime--unless they block you because you are annoying!
Virtual reality in social media--perhaps the great equalizer--the freedom fighters in the Middle East can post videos of the Sarin attacks as easily as the President can post his inaugural message.
The material is there and free for the ingest by everyone.
Social media has a purpose in bringing us together and spreading the word, videos, and pictures of the times--it make the big world smaller for us to get our arms around.
Then again, a social network of a few close family members or friends on the beach--also good, maybe better for the soul. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
September 22, 2013
Black and White and Gray All Over
1) Attention and Inattention—There were 2 father-son pairs in this gorgeous infinity pool at the resort. One father and son (age maybe 3) were together—jumping, splashing, swimming, holding each other—it was really beautiful. The other father and son (maybe 4) in contrast had the kid standing alone in the pool trying clumsily to pull a pair of goggles over his face, while his inattentive father stood off to the side glued on his smartphone. The first kid was smiling ear-to-ear under the attentive and adoring eyes of his father, the second kid was clearly rejected and dejected.
2) Beach and Poverty—I visited the beach in Hollywood; we were told it had a great little boardwalk. When we got there at first, it seemed awesome with the sun and palm trees, music, eateries, skaters, and bicyclists, and more. But as we started walking and exploring, it quickly became apparent that this was the poor side of town. There were no high-rises here, no fancy cars, no eloquent shops, and sort of a menacing feeling overall. The contrast of the beautiful beach and boardwalk with the surrounding poverty left me feeling sort of confused about wanting to be there, but also wanting to leave.
3) Ocean and Starbucks—whenever, I come down to South Florida, I invariably end up thinking about finding a place down here. This time, I saw some options that were attractive for very different reasons. One place was an older building, nice and enticing with a direct ocean view. The view from the apartment was so amazing; it literally made my wife cry. But then we saw another condominium—this one brand new, about 15 minute walk from the ocean, but right over all the shopping, Starbucks, and conveniences. The first place had a million dollar view, but the second place was practical and we could see ourselves really living there.
4) Driving and Jolly--We took a trolley ride and the driver was obviously hard-working, but low paid. Yet he turned up the tunes and took us around town not just driving, but literally singing and sort of dancing to them too--waving his arms and smiling the whole time. It was great to see someone so spirited and happy in whatever they were doing in life.
As I get older, and hopefully wiser, I see more clearly that situations in life are not simple or “black and white,” but there are lots of complexities, choices, and grays.
Do you choose self or family, live where you like or where you can earn a good living, go for the view or for the convenience, bemoan what you don't have or celebrate what you do? Lots of decisions in life—each choice has consequences, so choose carefully.
No one has it all—even if it looks like they do. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
June 22, 2013
Beach In All Its Beautiful Colors
I took this photo of a picture in Fort Lauderdale Airport.
The colors are stunning to me--the blue sky, the turquoise water, the white sand, the green palm trees, the dark blue beach umbrellas, the white wall, the pink sidewalk, and the off white road--and don't forget the dude walking in the orange trunks.
What an amazing, happy place--this picture captures it for me.
Hope you enjoy it. ;-)
(Source Photo of photo: Andy Blumenthal)
November 25, 2012
Helicopter Ride Over Miami Beach
We went on a awesome excursion today...a helicopter ride over Miami Beach.
We got picked up and taken to the air strip in Pembroke Pines.
Then, in a $450,000 helicopter traveling at 115 miles per hour, we got the ride of our lives.
With the sky clear blue, the sun shining bright, and the air cool and refreshing--what a great experience!
I put this in my memory bucket along with the jet skiing we did last year.
I thank G-d for the amazing opportunities and to experience this with my family.
Probably the funniest thing was when our pilot Jason asked "do you want to have a nice ride or a crazy time?"
I didn't know we had to choose...especially after signing the waiver. ;-)
(Source Video: Andy Blumenthal)
November 21, 2012
Beauty And Kindness In Miami
.jpeg)
The beauty of the water, beaches, islands, intercoastal, modern high-rises, and more is just amazing to me.
All this while we have the seasons changing up north.
This evening, in a restaurant, when I took out my phone for a moment, I accidentally dropped my wallet.
I could have easily lost it and would've been up a creek!
I was really taken aback when someone came up and says holding out my wallet, "Excuse me, I think you must've dropped this."
I was really grateful, and then not sure who else may have picked up my wallet before this person gave it back to me, I quickly started flipping through it to make sure everything was still there.
Thank G-d!
And thanks to this nice person for being so honest and kind.
When I left the restaurant, I stopped by their table to profusely say how much I appreciated what they did and to wish them a happy Thanksgiving--the real meaning, indeed. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
July 29, 2012
Jelly Fish, I Got One
We were at Chesapeake Beach on the Bay.
There was a sign warning of jelly fish.
Unfortunately, this place didn't have a net.
This man actually caught one.
And here he is displaying it on a branch.
Afterwards, he goes over to what appears to be his mother and shows it to her.
She looks at it with a funny scrowl, then moved in for a little closer look.
The jelly fish ended up falling unto some sea shells and then he retrieved it--all covered in these pieces and shards.
Then back in to the water--toss...one, two, three.
It was fun watching this scene, as well as a woman playing catch with her dog in the surf, a couple of teenagers collecting sea shells, and the beach patrol doing their thing.
The jelly fish kept us out of the water--for the most part--but it didn't keep us from having a nice time.
(Source photo: Andy Blumenthal)
July 14, 2012
The Sprite Shower
.jpeg){kind=icon}
This is some very clever marketing, indeed.
Coming to a beach near you...the Sprite Shower.
Looks like like the soda fountain at your local restaurant.
Except you are the cup!
On the hot sandy beach with the Sprite Shower cooling me down and washing me off...
I think I'll reach for a cold one too. ;-)
Coca-Cola, the maker of lemon-lime Sprite, has some of the best marketing minds in the business--Coke still is it!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
